Character guide

Publius

major

Also known as Publius IX The Union, the Union

The collective pseudonym for the authors of The Federalist Papers, arguing for ratification.

Alexander Hamilton

major

Also known as Hamilton, Colonel Hamilton, Alexander, the Present Confederation Hamilton, Members Hamilton, the Executive Hamilton

A Founding Father and primary author of The Federalist Papers, advocating for a strong central government.

James Madison

major

Also known as Mr. Madison, Madison

A Founding Father and key author of The Federalist Papers, later fourth U.S. president.

John Jay

major

Also known as Mr. Jay, Jay

A Founding Father and co-author of The Federalist Papers, later first Chief Justice of the U.S.

Congress

supporting

The legislative body under the Articles of Confederation, criticized for its weaknesses.

The Senate

supporting

Also known as Senate

The upper chamber of the proposed U.S. Congress, discussed extensively for its structure and powers.

The Judges

supporting

Also known as judges

Federal judiciary members whose role and independence are analyzed in the papers.

Montesquieu

minor

Also known as The celebrated Montesquieu

French political philosopher whose ideas on separation of powers are frequently cited.

Philip of Macedon

minor

Also known as Philip, Macedon

Ancient king of Macedon, cited as an example of military and political ambition.

Solon

minor

Athenian statesman and lawgiver, referenced as a historical example of constitutional reform.

Lycurgus

minor

Legendary Spartan lawgiver, cited for his strict constitutional and military system.

Charles II

minor

Also known as Charles I

English monarchs referenced in discussions of executive power and historical precedents.

Louis XIV

minor

French king known for absolute monarchy, cited as a warning against concentrated power.

Charlemagne

minor

Medieval emperor of the Franks, referenced as an example of large-scale governance.

Brutus

minor

Roman senator and assassin of Julius Caesar, cited in discussions of republican virtue.

Cleomenes

minor

Spartan king referenced in historical examples of confederacies and military leadership.

The Amphictyons

minor

Also known as the Amphictyons

Ancient Greek religious council, cited as an early example of a confederate league.

The Achaeans

minor

Also known as the Achaeans

Ancient Greek confederation, referenced as a model for federal union.

The Lacedaemonians

minor

Also known as the Lacedaemonians

Spartans, cited for their military-focused society and dual kingship system.

The Indians

minor

Also known as Indians

Native American tribes referenced in discussions of confederacies and foreign relations.

Robert R. Livingston

minor

Also known as Robert R. Livingston⁠—firm and patriotic

American statesman and jurist, mentioned in the context of the Constitutional Convention.

Mr. Dawson

minor

Also known as Dawson

A figure referenced in the papers, likely a historical or contemporary political actor.

McClean

minor

Publisher or printer of the first collected edition of The Federalist Papers.

The Earl of Chesterfield

minor

British statesman and wit, quoted on political prudence and governance.

The Judicious Blackstone

minor

English jurist William Blackstone, cited for his commentaries on law and government.

Thomas Jefferson

minor

Also known as Mr. Jefferson

Founding Father and future president, referenced in discussions of constitutional principles.